Freedom Fest officially begins on Friday, June 29. While much of the festivities will take place July 3-4, here are a few weekend events that will help get you ready.

Hog Jog 5-Mile Run

The Austin YMCA will be holding its 36th annual Hog Jog at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 30, at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.

Race day registration will take place from 6:45-7:30 a.m. The registration fee is $30.

The race is chip timed.

For more information, visit www.ymca-austin.org/y-programs/sports-special-events/hog-jog-5-mile-run/, call Katie Bielefeld at 507-433-1804 or email kbielefeld@ymca-austin.org.

Dan Ulwelling 25-Mile Bike Race

The annual Dan Ulwelling 25-Mile Bike Race, honoring the late Dan Ulwelling, will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. with a fee of $15.

Helmets are required for this race. Trophies will be awarded to the first overall male and female winners.

For more information, call 507-433-7184 or 507-437-4561. To register, visit https://www.austincoc.com/bike-race-registration.html. If you wish to pay by check, make the check payable to Austin Chamber and send to 329 N Main St., Suite 102, Austin, MN 55912.

Austin Eagles Freedom Fest Car Show and Parking Lot Party

The annual Freedom Fest Car Show and Parking Lot Party will be held from 2 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, June 30, at the Austin Eagles.

Pre-registration for the car show will begin at noon and judging will begin at 4 p.m. Registration fee is $10. All classes or cars are welcome.

The outside grill will open at noon and a beer special will be offered during the car show.

There will be live performances by Who Let the Momma’s Out from 4-7 p.m. and Red Dirt Road from 8 p.m. to midnight.

For more information, call LeAnn Fischer at 507-440-3939.

Austin Morning Lions’ Fly-In Breakfast

The Austin Morning Lions’ Fly-In Breakfast will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 1 at the Austin Municipal Airport.

This year’s menu includes pancakes, sausage, spam, coffee, juice, and milk.

Cost is $6 for ages 6 and up and free for ages 5 and younger.

For airport details, visit www.austinaeroflight.com.

2018 Peace Garden Concert featuring the Austin Community Jazz Band

The annual Austin Community Jazz Band’s Peace Garden Concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 1, at the Hormel Historic Home.

Brian Koser will direct this year’s show, featuring classic jazz and fun arrangements performed by local musicians.

The concert is free and visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and a snack.. Beverages will be sold during the event.

For more information, call the Hormel Historic Home at 507-433-4243.

Schedule of Events

Friday

• Circle of Friends Day Camp, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hormel Historic Home. Full curriculum of programmed activities for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), developed around the interest of the campers to promote maximum participation. Registration limited to 25 campers; register at www.hormelhistorichome.org. For more information, call 507-433-4243 or go to www.hormelhistorichome.org.

• Kids Studio Camp – Art History, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Austin ArtWorks Center. With Beth Hamilton. Our Kids Art History Camp will feature a different famous artist each day. Day four is Jean-Michel Basquiat – learn how to create acrylic graffiti on watercolor paper. Kids are welcome to sign up for the full camp or only a few days. For kids ages 4 to 14. $5 per session. For more information or to register, go to www.austinareaarts.org.

• Junkdrawer Technology – Cardboard Creations: Beginner Rubberband Car, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Austin Public Library. Registration required. For more information or to register, call 507-433-2391.

• English Tea, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mower County Senior Center. Come out to enjoy an afternoon tea with all sorts of favorites and new treats to try – a selection of breads, jams, and sweets along with fresh fruits and of course a variety of tea choices (coffee available for those who don’t like tea). Includes a short, fun program. Contact Teresa to sponsor a table, which involves bringing your own tea pot and cups for a table of six (they don’t need to match). To sign up or for more information, stop by the Senior Center front desk or call 507-433-2370.

• Open House – The Hormel Institute, 2-4 p.m. at the Hormel Institute. Free and open to the public – tour through this amazing world-class cancer research facility. For more information, call 507-433-8804.

• Austin Greyhounds vs. Elko Express, 8 p.m. at Marcusen Park. Go, Greyhounds! For more information, go to www.austingreyhoundsbaseball.com.

Saturday

• Book Art for Kids – Plate Printing Using Tessallations, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Austin Public Library. For kids pre-K with adult through 6th grade. Tessellation uses a pattern of shapes that fit together. Bring or wear a shirt that can get dirty. For more information, call 507-433-2391.

• Open House – The Hormel Institute, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hormel Institute. Free and open to the public – tour of this amazing world-class cancer research facility. For more information, call 507-433-8804.

• Author Visit – Kiersten Hall, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sweet Reads. Meet Kiersten Hall, local author of several books, latest being “New Apple,” a 1970’s small town Minnesota novel. For more information, call 507-396-8660.

• Book Art – Pamphlet and Stab Bindings Sewn Booklets, noon to 2 p.m. at the Austin Public Library. For adults. Registration required – class size limited to 12. For more information or to sign up, call 507-433-2391.

• Austin Greyhounds vs. Owatonna Aces, 4 p.m. at Marcusen Park. Go, Greyhounds! For more information, go to www.austingreyhoundsbaseball.com.

• Moonlight Movie – “The Lion King,” 9 p.m. at Shirley Theel Memorial Park. Free and open to the public. Bring your blanket or lawn chair, bug spray, and enjoy this great Disney movie. For more information, call 507-434-0934.